REYNALD MAGALLON

Adamson got back on the winning track in a dominant fashion, beating Centro Escolar University, 76-57, in the PG Flex Linoleum UCBL Pre-Season tournament Sunday at the SGS Gym in Quezon City.

The Falcons preyed on the Scorpions and leaned on a huge defensive effort in the final frame on the way to their third win in four starts in Group B, joining undefeated National University in the quarterfinals.

Adamson clamped down on the defensive end limiting CEU to just six points in the payoff period while unloading 18 on the offensive end to pull away for good.

Ivan Maata led the Falcons with 18 points and six boards with Eli Ramos, younger brother of Gilas star Dwight Ramos, put on another solid outing of 12 points, five assists and two rebounds in a little over 15 minutes of action.

Over at Group A, Philippine University-Dasmarinas pumped some life to its quarter hopes, escaping past Far Eastern University, 69-68. The Dolphins wrapped up the eliminations with a 2-3 card while keeping the Tamaraws winless through three games.

The quarters bid for the Olsen Racela-mentored Tamaraws was put in peril following the loss and will now have to win their last two games, including against reigning UAAP titlist University of the Philippines on Tuesday to stay in the playoff hunt.

Jerome Palomo went on a perfect 2-of-2 clip from the rainbow territory to lead PCU with 18 points while Ram Mesqueriola and Glen Endrinal added 16 and 12 points, respectively.